Painting an older home in Buffalo is honestly not something you just decide to do one random weekend. I mean, you can, but you’ll probably end up stressed out because the old walls and weird surprises can really slow you down. When you live in places like a little North Buffalo cottage or a West Side Victorian that looks super cool from the outside or even a South Buffalo place your grandparents probably lived in, you eventually realize painting older homes takes more planning than people think. And money sometimes, which is annoying.
This guide kinda explains everything about painting older homes Buffalo NY, but in a way that makes sense and doesn’t feel like boring instructions. You’ll see how to spot damaged walls, how to deal with paint peeling off like sunburn, and how to fix old plaster before it cracks again. And honestly, that stuff is super important if you don’t want your hard work to just fall off later. There’s also a table, some helpful tips, and even some links you can check out (real ones).
Why Older Buffalo Homes Need Special Painting Techniques
You can look around Buffalo and immediately tell the houses have seen things. Like, literally over 100 years of wind and snow and who knows what else. The older homes usually have weird things inside the walls because back then they used plaster instead of drywall, and the wood siding outside has been freezing every winter and then thawing and then freezing again (this basically destroys paint, by the way).
A lot of these old houses also have like five or six layers of paint already. Some of it oil paint, some latex, and sometimes there’s leftover paint from like the 1940s that still sticks for no reason. So when you’re doing Re-Painting Your Old House, it’s not really just about picking a nice color. You gotta understand how old paint reacts to Buffalo’s wild weather, or everything just cracks again.
Most people who try painting old houses run into peeling paint basically everywhere. Or cracks that crawl across the wall like little roads. And plaster that falls apart if you touch it too hard. Or the paint outside fading from the sun even though we don’t even get that much sun here (somehow it still fades). And moisture problems, especially in old basements, make the paint bubble like a blister. This is why painting old house projects are honestly just harder.
Common Problems Found in Older Buffalo Homes
Before even thinking about painting, you gotta figure out what’s wrong first. And there’s usually something wrong, trust me.
Peeling Paint
This one is super common and probably the most annoying. It could be moisture or too many layers or the old paint just not sticking anymore. If you want the best way to fix peeling paint in old Buffalo houses, you kinda have to know what kind of paint was there first and if the layer underneath isn’t falling apart too.
Cracks in Walls and Ceilings
Most old houses crack because they settle. Some cracks are tiny and not a big deal, but some are long and scary. Before fixing cracks before painting Buffalo, make sure the crack isn’t still moving or you’ll just be fixing it again next month.
Weak or Crumbling Plaster
Old plaster walls are cool but also super annoying because they’re fragile. When you try painting old plaster walls Buffalo, you almost always have to stabilize them first. If you trap moisture under plaster, it’s gonna crumble more, so you really gotta check that.
Weather-Damaged Exteriors
Buffalo weather is honestly one of the rudest things for paint. Rain, snow, humidity, crazy temperature swings, all of it makes paint peel faster. And yeah, that’s why old paint peels in Buffalo weather more than in a lot of other places.
Why Paint Fails Faster in Buffalo
The climate here is the biggest villain in this whole situation, honestly.
Freeze-thaw cycles mean water gets into the wood or plaster, then freezes, expands, pushes the paint off, and makes big cracks. Moisture is also everywhere and sticks around, especially in old houses with bad insulation. And even the UV rays in the summer mess up paint and make it brittle. All this is why prepping properly matters the most when painting older homes exterior or even inside.
Table: Common Problems in Older Buffalo Homes and Recommended Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Recommended Solution |
| Peeling paint | Moisture, old layers, poor adhesion | Scrape, sand, prime with bonding primer |
| Wall cracks | Settling, age, freeze-thaw | Clean, widen slightly, fill with plaster repair compound |
| Crumbling plaster | Age, moisture | Apply plaster stabilizer, skim coat before painting |
| Faded exterior paint | UV exposure | Use high-quality exterior acrylic paint |
| Bubbling paint | Moisture trapped behind paint | Remove area, let wall dry, repaint |
This little chart makes things easier to remember when you’re in the middle of an old home renovation Buffalo NY and trying to figure out what to do next.
How to Repair Wall Cracks Before Painting Older Homes
Before painting anything, you have to handle the cracks first because if you don’t, they show through the paint like they’re trying to embarrass you.
The best method for how to repair wall cracks before painting older homes usually goes like this: first you clean the crack, then you open it a tiny bit so the filler grabs onto something. After that, you add the right filler (plaster compound for plaster walls and joint compound for drywall), and once it dries, you sand it smooth so it doesn’t look lumpy. Then you prime it so the paint sticks evenly. If cracks keep coming back, you might need a pro.
Painting Old Plaster Walls in Buffalo’s Climate
A lot of Buffalo houses built before like 1950 or so still have original plaster. These walls last forever if you take care of them, but they crack all the time. For painting old plaster walls in Buffalo climate, you want to make sure the plaster is dry and not crumbling. Fix all cracks, maybe use a bonding agent, then prime it properly. Also use paint that “breathes,” because plaster needs that or the paint will peel later. Putting on super thick paint layers is a bad idea, even though it feels like it might cover more.
Cost To Paint Older Homes in Buffalo NY
Figuring out the cost to paint older homes in Buffalo NY is kinda complicated because every house is different. Stuff that affects the cost includes the size, how damaged things are, whether the plaster needs repair, how many old paint layers need to be scraped off, if you need lead paint removal, and if it’s interior or exterior. Older homes cost more in general because the prep work takes forever. Sometimes twice or three times longer than new homes.
Step By Step: How To Paint Older Homes in Buffalo NY
People always ask for a full walkthrough on how to paint older homes in Buffalo NY, so here’s the basic idea. First, you inspect everything, walls, wood, ceilings, moisture spots, all that. Then prepping surfaces comes next like scraping old paint and sanding. After that, fix any damaged walls using plaster or fillers. Then prime everything because primer helps the paint grab properly. Pick a high-quality paint so it lasts longer, especially here. And finally, painting two coats usually gives you nicer coverage.
Why Historic Homes Require Extra Care
When you do historic home painting Buffalo, you gotta remember a lot of old houses might be in historic districts. That means you have to keep them looking somewhat like how they originally did. Using the correct classic colors actually makes the house look way nicer anyway. Check the National Park Service if you want to see real info about it.
Choosing the Right Paint for Older Buffalo Homes
Picking the right paint matters almost as much as fixing the walls first. Buffalo weather changes too much, so exterior paint needs to survive cold, snow, wind, and sun without peeling instantly.
For painting older homes exterior, the best idea is using 100% acrylic paint, something with strong adhesion, mildew resistance, and flexible properties. Wood siding absorbs moisture like a sponge, so cheap paint won’t last at all.
For painting older homes interior, especially plaster walls, you want breathable finishes like matte or eggshell. High-hide primers help cover weird stains or patched spots. Low-VOC paint is also good because old houses already smell musty enough. Glossy paint just makes plaster flaws look worse, so avoid that.
Choosing the Best Colors for Older Homes
Picking colors for your place isn’t just about what’s trendy. For painting old home colors, you really gotta think about the style of your house. Buffalo’s older homes look amazing when the colors match the vibe of the architecture instead of just clashing.
For the outside, some colors always work. Deep greens or rich browns look awesome on Craftsman houses. Soft blues, muted grays, or warm yellows feel nice on colonials. Victorians can handle burgundy, navy, or creamy whites, and honestly, neutral palettes usually fit anywhere in historic neighborhoods. They’re kinda timeless and they handle weather better, which is good because Buffalo storms are not joking.
Inside the house, warm neutrals make older spaces feel brighter. Soft whites show off plaster walls and trim nicely. Earthy tones are great for living rooms or dens. Muted pastels work for bedrooms, and deep accent walls can give rooms character without making it feel like a disco.
Final Thoughts: Bringing New Life to an Older Buffalo Home
Buffalo’s older homes have tons of charm and history. With the right prep, repairs, and paint, you can keep that history while making the place look awesome. Whether you do it yourself or hire pros, this guide about painting older homes, painting older homes Buffalo NY, and Re-Painting Your Old House gives you the info you need.
With proper care, your house will look amazing and survive Buffalo’s crazy weather for years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Older Buffalo Homes
Q1. Best way to start painting older homes in Buffalo?
Do a full inspection first. Check walls, plaster, moisture. Fix anything that’s wrong before picking up a brush. Proper prep = paint that actually lasts.
Q2. How to fix peeling paint before Re-Painting Your Old House?
Scrape all loose paint, sand the edges, use a strong primer. Weather-resistant products help because Buffalo winters love to destroy paint.
Q3. Right method for painting old plaster walls Buffalo homes?
Fix cracks or crumbling plaster first. Apply bonding agent if needed. Use a breathable primer, then paint that lets moisture escape. Stops bubbling and peeling.
Q4. How to repair cracks before fixing cracks before painting Buffalo homes?
Clean crack, widen a little, fill with plaster or joint compound, sand smooth, and prime. Blends repairs and keeps cracks from showing through.
Q5. Average cost to paint older homes in Buffalo NY?
Varies a lot. Older homes need more scraping, sanding, plaster repairs, and sometimes lead paint work. Usually more expensive than newer homes because prep is long.If your older Buffalo home needs prep, crack repairs, or a full repaint, our team can help. Ready to give your home or business a fresh new look? Call (716) 300-6087 or visit paintinginbuffalo.com to get started.